Eagle River Chain of Lakes

   The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is one of the most recognized systems in the Northwoods, forming the northern portion of a 28‑lake complex that runs from just southeast of Three Lakes all the way to the City of Eagle River. The Eagle River portion itself is a connected run of 9–10 main lakes along roughly 14 miles of the Eagle River, totaling around 3,600–3,900 surface acres and about 70 miles of shoreline between the Burnt Rollways boat hoist and the Otter Rapids dam where the chain flows into the Wisconsin River. On the water, this lower chain is a classic shallow, dark‑stained Northwoods system that warms early and offers consistent action for walleye, musky, and a mix of bass and panfish. Individual lakes such as Catfish Lake (about 1,012 acres) and Eagle Lake (roughly 572 acres) provide larger basins and deeper holes, while smaller waters and river stretches offer current, weed lines, and rock structure that fish use throughout the season. Together, the lakes create a long, varied corridor where anglers can slide from weedy bays to open flats to channel neck‑downs in a single outing, with strong reputations for both numbers and trophy‑class fish. The human footprint on the Eagle River Chain is substantial but still feels distinctly Northwoods. Resorts, cabins, and campgrounds line many of the shores, and multiple public landings make it easy to put in for a day trip or a full‑week stay on the water. From May through September, the Burnt Rollways boat hoist allows boats to move between the Eagle River and Three Lakes chains, letting cruisers and anglers explore all 29 interlinked lakes and more than 170 miles of shoreline without ever loading a trailer. That combination of access, length, and variety is what earns Eagle River its reputation as the front door to the world’s largest chain of freshwater lakes.